Referees selected for Italy’s final Nations League group stage clash against Belgium

Referees selected for Italy’s final Nations League group stage clash against Belgium Italy have one game to go in their Nations League group following Thursday evening’s 3-1 victory over France in San Siro, and will be officiated by Norwegian referee Espen Eskas when they take on Belgium in Brussels on Sunday evening. Italy sit at the top of their Nations League group heading into the final round of group stage fixtures thanks to Thursday’s 3-1 victory over France in San Siro. The Azzurri have 10 points, as do France (behind on goal difference and head-to-head), Belgium have nine points and Turkey are still on zero after five matches. MILAN – NOVEMBER 12: Pio Esposito celebrates scoring his team’s third goal with teammates during the UEFA Nations League 2026/27 group phase match between Italy and France at San Siro Stadium on November 12, 2026 in Milan. (Photo by Mattia Ozbot/Getty Images) Italy just need a draw away against Belgium to guarantee themselves a spot in the Nations League quarter-finals. A draw could be enough to finish in first place, but will require a favour from Turkey in their game against France. A win for Italy in Belgium will guarantee their status as group winners. Referees appointed for Belgium vs. Italy It has recently been confirmed that Norwegian official Espen Eskas will be the referee for Italy’s final Nations League group stage clash away against Belgium on Sunday. Eskas will be joined by Norwegian assistant referees Jan Erik Engan and Alf Olav Rossland, with fourth official Sigur Kringstad, also from Norway. German official Christian Dingert will be the VAR and will be assisted by Norwegian Kristoffer Hagenes. Curiously, Eskas has already refereed a game between Italy and Belgium before, ending in a 2-2 draw at the Stadio Olimpico back in October 2024, also in the Nations League group stage under the reign of Luciano Spalletti. ROME – OCTOBER 10: Espen Eskas, referee of the match shows a red card to Lorenzo Pellegrini during the UEFA Nations League 2024/25 League A Group A2 match against Belgium at Stadio Olimpico on October 10, 2024 in Rome. (Photo by Emmanuele Ciancaglini/Getty Images) Italy had led by two goals in that game thanks to Andrea Cambiaso and Mateo Retegui, but conceded twice before full-time after Lorenzo Pellegrini was sent off after a VAR review that saw his yellow card for a foul on Arthur Theate upgraded to a red.